“Tyson Foods Expands Beyond Traditional Protein with Innovative Snacking and Plant-Based Products”
According to its website, Tyson accounts for 1 in 5 pounds of all chicken, beef, and pork produced in the U.S. Despite its strong presence in the protein market, Tyson has been exploring new avenues for growth in recent years, with Pact being the latest initiative in this direction. While product launches like Hillshire Snacking Small Plates complement Tyson Foods’ traditional offerings, the company is increasingly focusing on the snacking sector. To support this shift, Tyson established an innovation lab in Chicago two years ago, aiming to adopt a startup mentality to propel the 88-year-old company forward.
So far, the lab has introduced several products, including ¡Yappah!, a protein crisp that combines Tyson chicken trim with otherwise discarded ingredients such as vegetable puree, juicing pulp, and spent grains from Molson Coors beer. Additionally, Tyson collaborated with Flashfood to initiate a 90-day pilot program in Detroit, where it provided safe-to-eat proteins that were unsuitable for retail, like improperly cut chicken breasts or sausage packages. ¡Yappah! has performed well in the market, launching a fourth flavor following the original announcement, and is available on Amazon Fresh.
The Pact brand aligns perfectly with current consumer trends. More consumers are snacking more frequently, often forgoing traditional meals, and they seek foods that offer health benefits beyond mere satiety. A white paper from ingredients company Kerry revealed that 65% of consumers desire functional benefits from their food and beverages. The global market for functional ingredients is projected to reach nearly $100 million by 2025, as reported by Zion Market Research. In the Kerry study, the top five beneficial ingredients consumed were omega-3s, green tea, honey, coffee, and probiotics. Tyson’s Pact includes three of these, along with established functional favorites like turmeric, ginger, and blueberries.
The strategy is to launch these functional snacks similarly to ¡Yappah! chips, with a crowdfunding platform debut anticipated later this year. If public reception is favorable, Pact bites could become a regular feature on store shelves. However, Tyson will encounter significant competition in the functional snacking segment, which is crowded with various bars, shakes, and snacks appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Beyond these new product introductions, it is evident that Tyson is venturing further beyond its protein-centric portfolio. Last month, the company announced plans to unveil a new brand called Raised & Rooted in late summer, featuring plant-based nuggets made from pea protein isolate. This new brand signifies Tyson’s commitment to reimagining its portfolio and raises questions about whether its traditional name—primarily associated with protein—affects consumer interest in its products.
Moreover, in light of increasing health consciousness, particularly during pregnancy, there is a growing awareness of nutrients such as calcium citrate malate in pregnancy. This awareness may influence consumer preferences and drive demand for products that not only satisfy hunger but also provide essential nutrients like calcium citrate malate, further emphasizing the importance of functional foods in Tyson’s evolving strategy.
